Insulation for Webasto hot air heating pipes - ideas and sources?

[West Coast]

Hi all - I have a Webasto heating system with 90mm dia hot air pipes - fairly typical installation by the builder with no insulation on the longish pipe runs. Looking to fit some insulation, checking webasto/eber websites, the manufacturers supplied insulation is very expensive. Checking on line, I can only find types which use dry fibres which I am thinking will over time attract damp on a boat so be a bad idea.

Any suggestions re a closed cell foam type insulation, similar to that used on water pipes - where I can get it?

Cheers!

 

[lustyd]

I used this. Really good insulation and easy to fit. They do several widths which can help with different access needs

Topsleeve 100mm x 7.2m Pipe Insulation Wrap Universal Size | Wickes.co.uk

edit - sorry missed the bit about dry fibre. Mine certainly isn't damp after 18 months

 

[Plum]

Hi all - I have a Webasto heating system with 90mm dia hot air pipes - fairly typical installation by the builder with no insulation on the longish pipe runs. Looking to fit some insulation, checking webasto/eber websites, the manufacturers supplied insulation is very expensive. Checking on line, I can only find types which use dry fibres which I am thinking will over time attract damp on a boat so be a bad idea.

Any suggestions re a closed cell foam type insulation, similar to that used on water pipes - where I can get it?

Cheers!

I used closed cell foam insulation when I installed my Eberspacher 8 years ago and it is still as good as new and no dust/fibres. Eberspacher specify a temperature resistance. "Armaflex HT solar pipe insulation" which met that temp. Comes in many diameters and wall thicknesses

www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

 

[Keith-i]

Don’t insulate the first metre from the heater as you risk it overheating. The manual normally gives guidance.

 

[West Coast]

Thanks all. I dont have the installation manual, only given the user manual with the boat, but will find it on line - thanks for the tip.

Will check re the suitability of the Armaflex HT, but looks good stuff. Certainly better price than the webasto insulation, quick search showing 2M for £19 or so

 

[QBhoy]

Not sure you need to, being honest.

 

[PCUK]

Loft insulation wrapped in plastic sheet to prevent fibres escaping and sealed with duct tape. Lasts for years and used on many boats.

 

[surfernan]

The Eber insulation is only thinsulate. Buy a few yards (mine was off ebay) and stitch into tubes for a fraction of the cost

 

[salar]

At least with any heat loss in the pipe run, you are still warming the boat!

 

[wully1]

I re-used some foil covered bubble wrap that some online purchase came wrapped in. When that ran out I used normal small bubble wrap that again came on some on line purchase. The only expense was in the duct tape I used to secure it, a fraction of a roll.
(‘Duct Tape’ the clue is in the name….)

Simple,cheap,easy.

 

[lustyd]

At least with any heat loss in the pipe run, you are still warming the boat!

I avoided a second wrap for this reason, keeps the cockpit locker dry and the gas bottle warm!